ADVANTAGES OF WEIGHTLIFTING FOR WOMEN
I have always believed that weightlifting is the most spectacular sport. Snatch and C&J are exercises that are suitable for both men and women of all ages and with any body constitution. And despite the fact that for most people weightlifting is an extremely powerful sport, the truth is that the technique of doing exercises, speed, flexibility and ability to concentrate make all the difference.
Weightlifting can offer a lot of advantages to girls: a healthy body, strong bones, flexible joints and good coordination.
I am often asked the question: "Is weightlifting safe for girls?"
My answer is the following: “A well-planned training program is safe and healthy!”
But, unfortunately, there are still many myths stating that training with weights can be harmful to female health!
I want to assure parents that weightlifting definitely improves overall health, physical development and self-confidence. Regular weightlifting training under the supervision of an experienced coach will allow girls to get a lot of advantages:
- increase muscle tone;
- improve joint mobility;
- develop motor skills;
- adjust body composition;
- strengthen the function of the cardio-respiratory system;
- improve self-esteem.
It is very important to understand that weightlifting is not necessarily lifting huge weights and developing large muscles, which many girls fear.
Modern studies show that regular strength training improves overall well-being and increases strength and endurance in everyday life. Weightlifting training, along with good nutrition, will help to protect you from heart diseases, obesity, diabetes and osteoporosis.
I also often hear that people call weightlifting anything except weightlifting. Due to the low level of sports awareness, public bewilderment arises as to how they differ.
Bodybuilding is an aesthetic sport: it demonstrates the size and shape of muscles at competitions.
Powerlifting is a non-olympic sport consisting of 3 exercises: back squat, bench press, deadlift.
Olympic weightlifting consists of two exercises: snatch and clean.
Weightlifting is considered solely a power sport, but in fact it is a very technically challenging sport. Most athletes spend months and years on learning and improving techniques - noone lifts up hundreds of kilograms immediately. Weightlifters develop strength with the help of special interesting weightlifting exercises. Women are also able to develop strength, so feeling “not strong enough” is another reason to do weightlifting.
Due to the hormonal differences between men and women, women can develop strength through strength training without an excessive increase in muscle size or volume. Moreover, systematic trainings help to reduce the amount of excess adipose tissue which reduces the body.
Weightlifting is not dangerous for the back. The technique of doing weightlifting exercises is based on the safe and effective use of the legs and back muscles, while the load is distributed in a way that doesn´t overload the spine. Also training in weightlifting includes strengthening the small muscles-stabilizers and torso muscles.
In fact, there are no biological differences that limit the ability of women and girls to do weightlifting. Moreover, women are inherently more flexible than men and therefore can do the exercises more efficiently and economically.
Weightlifting does not make women infertile. Exercising by itself does not affect a woman’s ability to become pregnant and the menstrual cycle regularity. It rather depends on the balance of loads and the recovery processes quality (good nutrition and rest). Physically active women usually have a lighter pregnancy and give birth to healthier children.
Do not be afraid of the fact that weightlifting might make girls aggressive. It is true that engaging in any kind of sport develops "competitive skills." And it is normal when girls learn to concentrate and be assembled in extreme competition or training conditions. It helps a lot in life and teaches to respond normally to everyday stress. All these characteristics in combination with the natural femininity of women are manifested as an increased level of self-confidence. And this is exactly why many girls come to the gym.
TRAIN TOGETHER – TRAIN RIGHT
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